M23 accused of war crimes and mineral trafficking in DR Congo

Amnesty International has released a report documenting severe human rights abuses by M23 combatants in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The organization alleges that the M23 group, which is supported by Rwanda, has engaged in practices that may constitute war crimes, including summary executions, torture, arbitrary detention, and forced labor.

The report focuses on mining areas in Rubaya (North Kivu) and Lomera (South Kivu). It details instances where artisanal miners were forced to work underground for extended periods without interruption. Amnesty documented the deaths of 18 miners, noting that some were beaten to death, shot, or kidnapped before being found dead.

Furthermore, the report accuses M23 and Rwandan actors of facilitating the illegal trafficking of gold and coltan into Rwanda. These minerals, essential for global electronic devices, are being extracted through exploitation and smuggled across borders, raising significant concerns regarding the traceability of minerals in international supply chains.